Fenway Park was soaked Tuesday night, but the Red Sox didn't mind, coming away with a rain-shortened 4-1 win over Justin Verlander and the Tigers.
Now they'll go for a sweep and their fifth win in a row Wednesday night, hoping to run their record since the All-Star break to 11-8.
Leading the charge, as has been the norm lately, is Adrian Gonzalez. The first baseman seems to have finally rediscovered his stroke. He's collected seven hits in his past four games, along with a home run, four RBIs and four runs scored. His batting average, as low as .256 on June 22, is now hovering right back around .300.
Pedro Ciriaco has also continued his improbable hot streak since becoming a fairly regular presence in the starting lineup. Still sporting a .348 average on the year, Ciriaco has a five-game hit streak going. During that time, he's batted .421 with eight hits, three RBIs, four runs scored and a pair of stolen bases.
In the other dugout, Detroit's hottest hitter is somewhat of a surprise given that his name is neither Miguel Cabrera nor Prince Fielder. Instead, it's center fielder Austin Jackson, who is quietly having a sterling year. He's hit safely in seven of his last eight games, with 10 hits, a homer, three RBIs and four runs scored in that span.
Here are the Red Sox and Tigers temperatures for Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Red Sox
Adrian Gonzalez 80
Pedro Ciriaco 78
Will Middlebrooks 74
Jacoby Ellsbury 74
Nick Punto 72
Ryan Kalish 72
Carl Crawford 68
Jarrod Saltalamacchia 68
Dustin Pedroia 68
Daniel Nava 63
Cody Ross 60
Kelly Shoppach 57
Mike Aviles 47
Tigers
Austin Jackson 85
Omar Infante 70
Alex Avila 70
Miguel Cabrera 69
Prince Fielder 67
Gerald Laird 66
Brennan Boesch 63
Quintin Berry 61
Don Kelly 61
Delmon Young 60
Ramon Santiago 59
Ryan Raburn 57
Jhonny Peralta 57
